Amtrak Told Colorado, 2 Other States Have No Funding For Route

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico transportation officials say the states don’t have funding to save Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route through the three states.

The funding problems could cause western Kansas to lose easy access to Amtrak passenger service.

Amtrak wants the three states spend a total of $100 million in the next decade to improve tracks between Hutchinson and Garden City that are in such poor condition the train has to slow down on its daily route.

The Hutchinson News reports Amtrak also wants the states to split $10 million a year in operating subsidies with Amtrak and BNSF Railroad, which owns the tracks.

Dennis Slimmer, of the Kansas transportation department, says the states are looking for solutions, but don’t have the millions needed to maintain the route.